Name: Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (2-2.5 lb) boneless turkey breast, butterflied; 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup cooked Italian sausage, crumbled; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup chicken broth; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a show-stopping holiday centerpiece, this Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe is here to save your festive table. Packed with herby, savory stuffing and wrapped in juicy, golden turkey, this dish is perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even a cozy winter gathering. It’s easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for your fanciest feast. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

Juicy and flavorful, every bite bursts with the festive essence of fresh herbs and savory stuffing.
Simple to prepare and perfect for both small family dinners and large holiday gatherings.
Impressive presentation – looks stunning sliced on a platter.
Can be made ahead for stress-free entertaining.
Customizable with your favorite stuffing ingredients.

Ingredients for Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

1 whole turkey breast, boneless and skin-on (about 3 – 3.5 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Stuffing:

2 cups fresh bread cubes (preferably day-old)
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions: How to Make the Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

1. Prepare the Stuffing

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or roasting pan.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
Add bread cubes, cranberries, nuts, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then drizzle with chicken broth and toss until the bread absorbs most of the moisture.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

2. Butterfly & Fill Turkey Breast

Lay your turkey breast skin-side down on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, carefully butterfly by slicing horizontally (don’t cut all the way through), opening it like a book (see how from Serious Eats).
Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound to even 3/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
Season inside with salt and pepper.
Spread stuffing evenly, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
Roll up tightly, starting from one long end. Secure with kitchen twine every couple of inches and tuck in the ends. Pat the skin dry.

3. Roast the Turkey Breast

Brush skin with melted butter, then season with extra salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if desired.
Place the rolled breast seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Roast for 55–70 minutes, or until a thermometer in the center of turkey registers 165°F (74°C).
Tent loosely with foil if the skin browns too quickly.
Remove from oven. Let rest, tented with foil, for 15 minutes before slicing into juicy rounds.

Notes & Helpful Tips for Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

Make ahead: Prepare and refrigerate the stuffed breast up to 1 day in advance, then roast just before serving.
Use a digital meat thermometer for spot-on doneness (learn more about meat thermometers).
Swap herbs based on what’s fresh or available!

Variations on Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

Italian-Inspired: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and shredded Parmesan to the stuffing mix.
Apple & Sausage: Substitute apples for cranberries and add crumbled sausage for a hearty flavor.
Vegetarian Stuffing: Use mushroom and wild rice instead of bread and nuts for a nut-free, hearty filling.

Required Equipment for Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

Sharp chef’s knife
Cutting board
Meat mallet
Large skillet
Kitchen twine
Roasting pan or baking dish
Instant-read meat thermometer
Aluminum foil

Storage Instructions and Shelf Life

Refrigerator: Store slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven, covered, with a splash of broth.

Serving Recommendations & Pairings for Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

Pair with classic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or honey-glazed carrots for a festive spread.
Serve topped with warm turkey gravy or cranberry sauce (easy homemade cranberry sauce recipe).
Add a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

Pat the turkey dry for extra crispy skin after roasting.
Let the turkey rest before slicing to keep the juices locked in.
For the juiciest result, roast at a high initial temperature (425°F/220°C for 15 min) then reduce to 375°F/190°C for the remainder (see more tips from Food Network).

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast

Can I use a frozen turkey breast?: Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator (about 24 hours per 4–5 pounds) before prepping and cooking.
How do I keep the turkey breast from drying out?: Don’t overcook! Use a thermometer and let it rest before slicing for maximum juiciness.
Can I cook this in advance?: Absolutely! Roast, cool, and refrigerate. Slice and reheat in the oven, covered with foil and a splash of broth, just before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes